Thank you to all who support the vision of Untapped Potential! Bill Kenney presented founder, Candace Freedenberg, with the Award for CT "Entrepreneur of the Year"in the Social Good category. UP was a Finalist for the Entrepreneurial Venture category and the Entrepreneur Category.
This Award was voted on by judges from throughout the US as well as an international participant. In addition, Untapped Potential was awarded “Community Favorite Entrepreneur” Honorable Mention in the social good category.
These awards were a chance to take a look at what we've accomplished. The following summary for voting, was a great validation of the growth of our company, and more importantly, the placements that impact the wage gap, gender equity in senior roles, and work-life balance in the workplace.
Organization/institution description
"UP captures and readies top-female-talent seeking work-life success. Whether seeking work-life balance or taking a break for caregiving, UP ensures Candidates skills and experience are valued. A two-sided event-driven model we deliver experienced professional women to entities seeking to grow their pipeline for senior roles and improve gender equity via our Flexreturn engagement."
Tell us about the entrepreneurial milestones you accomplished in 2018?
"In 2018, UP executed enterprise and cohort agreements with Fortune 50 Companies, grew at 50%, following a year of 100% growth. We have garnered the attention of brand named companies while supporting one candidate at a time and having over 200 in our UP Community. Launching Candidates in Finance Ops, Marketing, Engineering and IT PM, our Clients save ~$30K onboarding through our Flexreturn method. It is a win-win."
What CT entrepreneur ecosystem resources (spaces, programs, events, schools, etc.) have helped you succeed?
"Women's Business Center of Hartford, CtSBDC, reSET, Upward Hartford."
What people are saying about Candace Freedenberg...
"Candace Freedenberg, founder of Untapped Potential, supports women in STEM who have taken a gap in employment to support their family. She continues to find new opportunities for these women to gain the skills, confidence, and network of support that women need when venturing back into the workforce after a gap. I was a candidate for Untapped Potential last year. Candace personally coached me and matched me to the perfect client. After I launched, I was able to contribute to UP events as a mentor and help lift up women following the same path I did. Candace is constantly improving the process her team uses to groom women for the next phase of their professional life. She is making new connections and spreading her philosophy which leads to more opportunities for her candidates. Her connections provide valuable opportunities for women to gain new skills to take into the workplace. She is a powerful voice for high-caliber women looking to reignite their professional selves."
--Shona Bradbury Kidd